After successfully coaching the Harvard football team to an undefeated Ivy season in 2011, Harvard coach Tim Murphy will play life coach for a couple of hours this May, when he gives the undergraduate commencement address at his alma mater, Springfield College. This decision was announced last Thursday.

Murphy earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Springfield and was a four-year starter on the school’s football team. As a senior in 1977, he earned All-New England honors at linebacker.

Murphy bolstered his commencement speaker application this year by being named the president of the American Football Coaches Association. His candidacy was further helped by the success of former player Ryan Fitzpatrick '05, who gained notoriety early in 2011 by leading his Buffalo Bills to a 4-1 start, including a win over the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots.

Springfield’s graduate commencement will be on May 12, with the undergraduate commencement being held on the following day.